NZ flag to be at half mast on 22 Feb

5:11 am on 2 February 2012

The New Zealand flag will fly at half-mast on all Government and public buildings on 22 February, to mark the first anniversary of the earthquake tragedy in Canterbury.

Prime Minister John Key and the Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, will attend commemorations in Christchurch.

Mayor Bob Parker says flying the flag at half mast is a tremendous sign of respect for those lost and for those left behind, who will find the first anniversary a difficult time.